Flooring System

ABSTRACT

A connector includes a vertical arm. The connector further includes a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm. The connector further includes a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element. The riser element is longer than the vertical element. The vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/585436, entitled “Flooring System,” filed on Jan. 11, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Flooring systems are often used at exhibitions, trade shows, and other events, where it is useful to create a temporary floor above the permanent or built-in floor of the facility where the event is being held. For example, an event may take place in an arena with a cement floor and an exhibitor at the event may want to create an office-like environment to display its products. In that case, a temporary flooring system, perhaps carpeted like an office, would be installed in the arena to provide the office-like environment. Further, the flooring system may be raised above the permanent or built-in floor of the facility to provide room for cables, conduits, pipes, or other equipment to be routed without being visible to onlookers.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention features a connector having a vertical arm. The connector further includes a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm. The connector further includes a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element. The riser element is longer than the vertical element. The vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.

In another aspect, the invention features a floor system. The floor system includes a plurality of type A panels. The type A panels have a type A connector configuration by which type A panels connect to other panels. The floor system includes a plurality of type B panels. The type B panels have a type B connector configuration by which type B panels connect to other panels. The type B connector configuration is different from the type A connector configuration. The floor system includes a type C panel. The type C panels have a type C connector configuration by which type C panels connect to other panels. The type C connector configuration is different from the type A connector configuration and from the type B connector configuration. The type C panel is coupled to type B panels by connectors on the respective panels. The type A panels are coupled to type B panels and type A panels by connectors on the respective panels.

In another aspect, the invention features a raised floor system. The raised floor system includes a plurality of type A panels. Each type A panel includes a first edge having male connectors. Each type A panel includes a second edge adjacent the first edge having male connectors. Each type A panel includes a third edge adjacent the second edge and opposite the first edge having female connectors. Each type A panel includes a fourth edge adjacent the first edge and the third edge having female connectors. The female connectors and the male connectors are situated such that the they raise the type A panels type above a floor such that wiring can be run under the type A panels. The raised floor system includes a plurality of type B panels. Each type B panel includes a first edge having female connectors. Each type B panel includes a second edge adjacent the first edge having male connectors. Each type B panel includes a third edge adjacent the second edge and opposite the first edge having male connectors. Each type B panel includes a fourth edge adjacent the first edge and the third edge having female connectors. The female connectors and the male connectors are situated such that the they raise the type B panels above a floor such that wiring can be run under the type B panels. The raised floor system includes a type C panel. Each type C panel includes a first edge having female connectors. Each type C panel includes a second edge adjacent the first edge having female connectors. Each type C panel includes a third edge adjacent the second edge and opposite the first edge having female connectors. Each type C panel includes a fourth edge adjacent the first edge and the third edge having female connectors. The female connectors being situated such that they raise the type C panel above a floor such that wiring can be run under the type C panel. The type C panel forms a corner of the raised floor system. The plurality of type B panels forming edges of the raised floor system adjacent the type C panel. The plurality of type A panels forming edges of the raised floor system not adjacent to the type C panel and portions of the raised floor system that are not on the edges of the raised floor system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a male connector.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a female connector.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the male connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the female connector of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the use of the connectors of FIGS. 1 and 2 in coupling together two panels.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a connector.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the connector of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a naming convention used in subsequent figures.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the use of the connector of FIGS. 7-9 in coupling together two panels.

FIGS. 12-14 show panels used to construct a flooring system.

FIGS. 15-18 show flooring systems.

FIG. 19 shows a routing space in a flooring system.

FIG. 20 shows a plan view of panels fitting together.

FIG. 21 shows a plan view of a panel with female connectors of the type illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 22 shows a plan view of a panel with male connectors of the type illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 shows a plan view of a panel with connectors of the type shown in FIGS. 7-8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A flooring system is disclosed. The flooring system can be used in temporary installations such as in exhibitions, trade shows, and other events. The flooring system can also be used in permanent installations, such as in computer rooms, where raised floors to facilitate the routing of electronic cabling, air conditioning ducting, and other equipment is required.

In one embodiment, the flooring system comprises panels, as discussed further below, coupled together using connectors. In one embodiment, illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 1, a male connector 100 includes a vertical arm 102, a horizontal arm 104, a riser element 106, and a spacer element 108. In one embodiment, the vertical arm 102 and the riser element 106 overlap the spacer element 108 and are connected by the spacer element 108. In one embodiment, the spacer element 108 and the horizontal arm 104 overlap the riser element 106 and are connected by the riser element 106. In one embodiment, the vertical arm is 1⅛ inches tall by ¾ inches wide. In one embodiment, the horizontal arm 104 is 1½ inches wide by ¾ inches tall. In one embodiment, the riser element 106 is 1½ inches tall by ¾ inches wide. In one embodiment, the spacer element is 2 15/64 inches wide by ⅜ inches tall. In one embodiment, the arrangement of the vertical arm 102, the horizontal arm 104, the riser element 106, and the spacer element 108 provides a slot 110 that is 47/64 inches wide, 1⅛ inches tall on one side, and ¾ inches tall on the other side. It will be understood that the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 1 are merely examples and are adjustable for different applications. For example, the width of the slot 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the spacer element 108.

In one embodiment, the vertical arm 102 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the spacer element 108. In one embodiment, the spacer element 108 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the riser element 106. In one embodiment, the horizontal arm 104 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the riser element 106.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, a female connector 200 includes a short vertical arm 202, a long vertical arm 204, and a spacer element 206. In one embodiment, the short vertical arm 202 and the long vertical arm 204 overlap the spacer element 206 and are connected by the spacer element 206. In one embodiment, the short vertical arm is 1⅛ inches tall by ¾ inches wide. In one embodiment, the long vertical arm 204 is 1½ inches tall by ¾ inches wide. In one embodiment, the spacer element 206 is 2 15/16 inches wide by ⅜ inches tall. In one embodiment, the arrangement of the short vertical arm 202, the long vertical arm 204, and the spacer element 206 provides a slot 208 that is 47/64 inches wide, 1⅛ inches tall on one side, and ¾ inches tall on the other side. It will be understood that the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 2 are merely examples and are adjustable for different applications. For example, the width of the slot 208 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the spacer element 206.

In one embodiment, the short vertical arm 202 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the spacer element 206. In one embodiment, the spacer element 206 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the long vertical arm 204.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are extrusions of the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively and are 4 inches long. In one embodiment, the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are the same length, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In one embodiment (not shown), the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are not the same length. It will be understood that the dimensions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are merely examples and are adjustable for different applications.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the female connector 200 is coupled to a panel 502, that is composed of a first layer 504 and a second layer 506 separated by a third layer 508. In one embodiment, the first layer 504 and the second layer 506 are ¾ inch plywood. In one embodiment, the third layer 508 is a 1½ inch honeycomb core. In one embodiment, the edge 510 of the short vertical arm 202 of the female connector is aligned with an edge 512 of the panel 502.

In one embodiment, the male connector 100 is coupled to a panel 513, that is composed of a first layer 514 and a second layer 516 separated by a third layer 518. In one embodiment, the first layer 514 and the second layer 516 are ¾ inch plywood. In one embodiment, the third layer 518 is a 1½ inch honeycomb core. In one embodiment, the edge 520 of the slot 110 of the male connector 100 is aligned with an edge 522 of the panel 513.

In one embodiment, the two panels 502 and 513 are coupled together by moving panel 502 in the direction of arrow 524 relative to panel 513, which may involve moving panel 513 instead of panel 502 or moving both panels 502 and 513 relative to each other, until the vertical arm 102 of the male connector 100 engages and fills the slot 208 in the female connector. The result is shown in FIG. 6.

One embodiment of a connector 700 that operates both as a female and a male connector, illustrated in FIG. 7, includes a vertical arm 702, a horizontal arm 704, a riser element 706, and a spacer element 708. In one embodiment, the vertical arm 702 and the riser element 706 overlap the spacer element 708 and are connected by the spacer element 708. In one embodiment, the spacer element 708 and the horizontal arm 704 overlap the riser element 706 and are connected by the riser element 706. In one embodiment, the vertical arm 702 is 1.5 inches tall by 0.75 inches wide. In one embodiment, the horizontal arm 704 is 1.5 inches wide by 0.75 inches tall. In one embodiment, the riser element 706 is 2.25 inches tall by 0.75 inches wide. In one embodiment, the spacer element 708 is 2.25 inches wide by 0.75 inches tall. In one embodiment, the arrangement of the vertical arm 702, the horizontal arm 704, the riser element 706, and the spacer element 708 provides a slot 710 that is 0.75 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall on one side, and 0.75 inches tall on the other side. It will be understood that the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 7 are merely examples and are adjustable for different applications. For example, the width of the slot 710 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the spacer element 708.

In one embodiment, the vertical arm 702 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the spacer element 708. In one embodiment, the spacer element 708 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the riser element 706. In one embodiment, the horizontal arm 704 is substantially perpendicular (i.e., within 10 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 15 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment, within 20 degrees of perpendicular in one embodiment) to the riser element 706.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, the connector 700 is an extrusion of the cross-section shown in FIG. 7 and is 4 inches long. It will be understood that this dimension is merely an example and is adjustable for different applications.

FIG. 9 illustrates a naming convention that will be used in subsequent figures. The surface 902 of the spacer element 708 is labeled with a series of “L”s, which is an abbreviation of “long” for “long surface.” The surface 904 of the horizontal arm 704 is labeled with a series of “S”s, which is an abbreviation of “short” for “short surface.” In addition, another naming convention will be used in subsequent figures: elements shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 (e.g., 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 902, 904, etc.) as part of connectors in subsequent figures will be referred to as X-YYY, where X is the element illustrated in the subsequent figure and YYY is the reference from FIGS. 7 and/or 9.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, the long surface 1002-902 of a connector 1002, which is a connector of the type illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, is coupled to a panel 1004 such that an edge 1006 of the connector 1002 aligns with an edge 1008 of the panel 1004. In one embodiment, the short surface 1010-904 of a connector 1010, which is a connector of the type illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, is coupled to a panel 1012 such that an edge 1014 of the slot 1010-710 in connector 1010 aligns with an edge 1016 of the panel 1012. In one embodiment, the connector 1010 extends beyond the edge of the panel 1012 but the connector 1002 does not extend beyond the edge of the panel 1008. In one embodiment, when the panels 1004 and 1012 are placed as shown in FIG. 10, the vertical arm 1010-702 of connector 1010 is aligned with the slot 1002-710 of connector 1002 and the vertical arm 1002-702 of connector 1002 is aligned with the slot 1010-710 of connector 1010.

In one embodiment, the two panels 1012 and 1004 are coupled together by moving panel 1004 in the direction of arrow 1018 relative to panel 1012, which may involve moving panel 1012 instead of panel 1004 or moving both panels 1012 and 1004 relative to each other, until the vertical arm 1002-702 of connector 1002 engages and fills the slot 1010-710 in connector 1010 and the vertical arm 1010-702 of connector 1010 engages and fills the slot 1002-710 in connector 1002. The result is shown in FIG. 11.

In one embodiment, a floor system is assembled using three panel types, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, a panel type A 1200 includes a 40 inch by 40 inch panel 1202 constructed as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 (with elements 504, 506, and 508 or elements 516, 516, and 518). In one embodiment, panel type A 1200 includes 6 male connectors (i.e., male connector 100 or connector 700 with the short surface coupled to the panel 1202) 1204 distributed along two adjacent sides of panel 1202. In one embodiment, 3 male connectors 1204 are distributed to each of the two adjacent sides. In one embodiment, panel type A 1200 includes 6 female connectors (i.e., female connector 200 or connector 700 with the long surface coupled to the panel 1202) 1206 distributed along two adjacent sides of panel 1202. In one embodiment, 3 female connectors 1206 are distributed to each of the two adjacent sides.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 13, a panel type B 1300 includes a 40 inch by 40 inch panel 1302 constructed as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 (with elements 504, 506, and 508 or elements 516, 516, and 518). In one embodiment, panel type B 1300 includes 3 male connectors (i.e., male connector 100 or connector 700 with the short surface coupled to the panel 1302) 1304 distributed along one side of panel 1302. In one embodiment, panel type B 1300 includes 9 female connectors (i.e., female connector 200 or connector 700 with the long surface coupled to the panel 1302) 1306 distributed along three adjacent sides of panel 1302. In one embodiment, 3 female connectors 1306 are distributed to each of the three adjacent sides.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, a panel type C 1400 includes a 40 inch by 40 inch panel 1402 constructed as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 (with elements 504, 506, and 508 or elements 516, 516, and 518). In one embodiment, panel type C 1400 includes 12 female connectors (i.e., female connector 200 or connector 700 with the long surface coupled to the panel 1402) 1404 distributed along four adjacent sides of panel 1402. In one embodiment, 3 female connectors 1404 are distributed to each of the four adjacent sides.

In one embodiment (not shown), a panel type D is similar to panel type B except all female connectors 1306 are replaced by male connectors and all male connectors 1304 are replaced by female connectors.

In one embodiment (not shown), a panel type E is similar to panel type C except that all female connectors 1404 are replaced by male connectors.

Coupling rules define how the panel types link together. In one embodiment, the sides of the panels having male connectors are coupleable to the sides of panels having female connectors. Thus, the sides of panel type A with male connectors 1204 can couple to the three sides of panel type B with female connectors 1306 or to any side of panel type C. The sides of panel type A with female connectors 1206 can couple to the one side of panel type B with male connectors 1304 but cannot couple to panel type C.

The side of panel type B with male connectors 1304 can couple to the two sides of panel type A with female connectors 1206 or to any side of panel type C. The sides of panel type B with female connectors 1306 can couple to the two sides of panel type A with male connectors but cannot couple to panel type C.

Any side of panel type C can couple to the two sides of panel type A with male connectors 1204. Any side of panel type C can couple to the side of panel type B with male connectors 1304.

Similar coupling rules apply to panel types D and E.

In one embodiment, panel sides with female connectors are used to form the edges of a flooring system. Thus, under this rule, two sides of panel type A, three sides of panel type B, four sides of a panel type C 1400, one side of panel type D, and no sides of panel E can form the edge of a flooring system.

Application of these coupling rules results in a variety of floor systems, as shown in FIGS. 15-18. Floor system 1502, illustrated in FIG. 15, includes a panel type C in the upper right hand corner, panel type Bs arrayed along the edges of the floor system 1502 adjacent to the corner with the panel type C, and panel type As filling in the rest of the spots.

In one embodiment, floor system 1602, illustrated in FIG. 16, includes a panel type C in the upper right hand corner, panel type Bs arrayed along the edges of the floor system 1602 adjacent to the corner with the panel type C, and panel type As filling in the rest of the spots.

In one embodiment, floor system 1702, illustrated in FIG. 17, includes a panel type C in the upper right hand corner, panel type Bs arrayed along the edges of the floor system 1702 adjacent to the corner with the panel type C, and panel type As filling in the rest of the spots.

In one embodiment, floor system 1802, illustrated in FIG. 18, includes a panel type C in the upper right hand corner, panel type Bs arrayed along the edges of the floor system 1802 adjacent to the corner with the panel type C, and panel type As filling in the rest of the spots.

In one embodiment, a non-rectangular floor system can be created by leaving out one or more of the panels shown in FIGS. 15-18.

It will be understood that the arrangements shown in FIGS. 15-18 are merely examples and that many other arrangements are possible using the panels described above.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 19, connectors 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 raise the panels 1910, 1912 above the floor 1914, which provides spaces 1916 and 1918 through which cables, pipes, conduit or other equipment 1920 can be run. In one embodiment, the connectors 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 do not run the length of the panels 1910, 1912 so that the spaces 1916 and 1918 are connected, which allows the equipment to be routed through connected spaces.

FIG. 20 shows a plan view of three panels 2002, 2004, and 2006 fitting together. Female connectors along edge 2008 of panel 2004 mate with male connectors along edge 2010 of panel 2002 to secure together panels 2002 and 2004. Female connectors along edge 2012 of panel 2006 mate with male connectors along edge 2014 of panel 2004 to secure together panels 2004 and 2006.

FIG. 21 shows a plan view of a panel 2102 with female connectors 2104 of the type illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 22 shows a plan view of a panel 2202 with male connectors 2204 of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 or with connectors of the type illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 coupled to the panel 2202 as male connectors.

FIG. 23 shows a plan view of a panel 2302 with connectors 2304 of the type illustrated in FIG. 7-9 coupled to the panel 2302 as male connectors.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector comprising: a vertical arm; a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm; a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element, the riser element being longer than the vertical element; wherein the vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.
 2. The connector of claim 1 further comprising: a horizontal arm coupled to an end of the riser element.
 3. The connector of claim 2 wherein the connector can be used as either a male connector or a female connector.
 4. The connector of claim 2 wherein: the vertical arm is substantially perpendicular to the spacer element; the spacer element is substantially perpendicular to the riser element; and the horizontal arm is substantially perpendicular to the riser element.
 5. The connector of claim 1 wherein the vertical arm is sized to fit within the slot.
 6. The connector of claim 1 wherein: the vertical arm is substantially perpendicular to the spacer element; and the spacer element is substantially perpendicular to the riser element.
 7. A floor system comprising: a plurality of type A panels, wherein the type A panels have a type A connector configuration by which type A panels connect to other panels; a plurality of type B panels, wherein the type B panels have a type B connector configuration by which type B panels connect to other panels, the type B connector configuration being different from the type A connector configuration; a type C panel, wherein the type C panels have a type C connector configuration by which type C panels connect to other panels, the type C connector configuration being different from the type A connector configuration and from the type B connector configuration; the type C panel being coupled to type B panels by connectors on the respective panels; and the type A panels being coupled to type B panels and type A panels by connectors on the respective panels.
 8. The floor system of claim 7 wherein: the type A connector configuration comprising: a first type A edge having male connectors, a second type A edge adjacent the first type A edge having male connectors, a third type A edge adjacent the second edge and opposite the first type A edge having female connectors, and a fourth type A edge adjacent the first type A edge and the third type A edge having female connectors, the type B connector configuration comprising: a first type B edge having female connectors, a second type B edge adjacent the first type B edge having male connectors, a third type B edge adjacent the second type B edge and opposite the first type B edge having male connectors, and a fourth type B edge adjacent the first type B edge and the third type B edge having female connectors; and the type C connector configuration comprising: a first type C edge having female connectors, a second type C edge adjacent the first type C edge having female connectors, a third type C edge adjacent the second type C edge and opposite the first type C edge having female connectors, and a fourth type C edge adjacent the first type C edge and the third type C edge having female connectors.
 9. The floor system of claim 8 wherein each female connector comprises: a vertical arm; a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm; a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element, the riser element being longer than the vertical element; wherein the vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.
 10. The floor system of claim 8 wherein each male connector comprises: a vertical arm; a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm; a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element, the riser element being longer than the vertical element; and a horizontal arm coupled to an end of the riser element; wherein the vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.
 11. The floor system of claim 8 wherein the male connectors have the same mechanical configuration as the female connectors.
 12. The floor system of claim 7 wherein: the connectors raise the panels above a floor such that wires can be run between the panels and the floor.
 13. A raised floor system comprising: a plurality of type A panels, each type A panel comprising: a first edge having male connectors; a second edge adjacent the first edge having male connectors; a third edge adjacent the second edge and opposite the first edge having female connectors; and a fourth edge adjacent the first edge and the third edge having female connectors; the female connectors and the male connectors being situated such that the they raise the type A panels type above a floor such that wiring can be run under the type A panels; a plurality of type B panels comprising: a first edge having female connectors; a second edge adjacent the first edge having male connectors; a third edge adjacent the second edge and opposite the first edge having male connectors; and a fourth edge adjacent the first edge and the third edge having female connectors; the female connectors and the male connectors being situated such that the they raise the type B panels above a floor such that wiring can be run under the type B panels; a type C panel comprising: a first edge having female connectors; a second edge adjacent the first edge having female connectors; a third edge adjacent the second edge and opposite the first edge having female connectors; and a fourth edge adjacent the first edge and the third edge having female connectors; the female connectors being situated such that the they raise the type C panel above a floor such that wiring can be run under the type C panel; the type C panel forming a corner of the raised floor system; the plurality of type B panels forming edges of the raised floor system adjacent the type C panel; and the plurality of type A panels forming: edges of the raised floor system not adjacent to the type C panel; and portions of the raised floor system that are not on the edges of the raised floor system.
 14. The floor system of claim 13 wherein each female connector comprises: a vertical arm; a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm; a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element, the riser element being longer than the vertical element; wherein the vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.
 15. The floor system of claim 13 wherein each male connector comprises: a vertical arm; a spacer element having an end coupled to an end of the vertical arm; a riser element having an end coupled to an end of the spacer element, the riser element being longer than the vertical element; and a horizontal arm coupled to an end of the riser element; wherein the vertical arm, the spacer element, and the riser element form a slot.
 16. The floor system of claim 13 wherein the male connectors have the same mechanical configuration as the female connectors.
 17. The floor system of claim 13 wherein the male connectors extend beyond an edge of their respective panels.
 18. The floor system of claim 13 wherein the female connectors do not extend beyond any edge of their respective panels. 